Workers began demolishing parts of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge over San Pablo Bay this week in preparation for repairs on the eastbound section. The work is expected to take 90 days. (Tawanda Kanhema / Richmond Confidential)
More than 10 years after Oakland residents approved the nearly $200 million Measure DD, the restoration of Lake Merritt is nearing completion. The priciest component of the lake work was a channel opening the lake to the estuary and returning tidal properties to the body of water. This will bring more oxygen to wildlife in the lake. In this photo, a middle school group enjoys a kayaking field trip along the channel and under the new boulevard that replaced a 12-lane mini-freeway. (Rachel Dornhelm / KQED)

Richard Shaw, age 49, mentors youth with The Men of Influence. He also runs a handyman and repair business, and he is seen here at work, getting supplies out of the back of his truck. The Men of Influence meet every Saturday at the Rainbow Recreation Center in Oakland, to show that they care and that there are other ways besides violence. (Deborah Svoboda / KQED)

Drones have gotten a lot of attention for their military applications, but Bay Area residents are proving the sky is the limit for drones when it comes to studying science and the environment. John Cherbini (left) and Joshua Ott (right), of 3D Robotics, set up a thermal imaging camera for infrared shots. This 12-rotor drone weighs about 6 pounds and cost about $1,500 to build – not including the camera. (Aarti Shahani / KQED)

Bishop Andre Jackson of Carriage Hills Community Church, who is board chair of Healthy Communities in Richmond, said he spoke on behalf of people that don’t have jobs or representation at a rally against Chevron’s treatment of the city of Richmond. Richmond City Council members Tom Butt and Jael Myrick have proposed a plan asking for at least $1 million in scholarships per year from Chevron as part of compensation for the Aug. 6 refinery fire. (Tyler Orsburn / Richmond Confidential)

Oakland students’ artwork will be on display and for sale at the 15th annual ArtEsteem exhibition: Self as Superhero. The organization works with K-12 students in Oakland and beyond to integrate art into the curriculum at schools that otherwise wouldn’t have it. The art can be seen at American Steel Studios in West Oakland Saturday 3-6 p.m. (Rachel Dornhelm / KQED)